Baptisia australis

Anybody know if it's absolutely necessary to chill Baptisia australis seeds - couldn't I just let them chill through the winter by broadcasting them now?

New to propogating, so any help is greatly appreciated.

I have never had mine self sow, but some people say their plant does it all the time. It's possible that my self sowers are eaten by bunnies? I would try covering them with a little cone of hardware cloth or something like that, and just plant them this fall. Yes they need to chill I believe.

Same info. on chilling those seeds, so Fall sowing sounds like an ideal time. Just precautions to avoid them being eaten by critters in the garden would be the biggest tasks? I'm looking forward to some Fall sowing of those seeds this year.
Kim

Thanks to you both for your input; I think I will try to wintersow in milk jugs like on another forum: )

sookey66, not sure about chilling, but do know that Baptisia seeds have to be sown when they are fresh. If you wait too long (i.e. if they dry out) you won't have good luck with them.

Thanks for the response rcn48.
I've noticed when opening the seed pods that the seeds are usually sticky; is this the right stage to plant 'em?
Any way I think I'll give it a try with the milk-jug method. I have some previously harvested seeds (probably too dry) but there may be a pod or two left on the plant.
Time will tell...

I never thought that something might be eating self sown seeds! I've never seen any (seedlings), but we have bunnies all over our yard. Thanks for the hardware cloth protector idea. I suppose some of the newer baptisias won't come true from seed? I just planted 4 new varieties this year, and one of them has seed pods already.

I have found that the Baptisia australis self sows in the field quite readily. When seeding out in the greenhouse, scarify seed first, stratify for 10 days in moist cold refrigerator and sow sparingly into a flat. Do not over-water as they have a tendency to rot. Let dry pretty good before watering. Should be ready to transplant outdoors in 8 to 12 weeks. In the wild, collect pods after they have turned black and are dry to the touch. Open the pods and toss seed onto the soil. This is an early bloomer and will add great beauty to your site.